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News Release 16-057
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-559-561 and 731-TA-1317-1328 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of certain carbon and alloy steel cut-to-length plate from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, and Turkey that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the governments of China and Korea.
The Commission further determined that imports of these products that are allegedly subsidized by the government of Brazil are negligible.
All six Commissioners made a finding of negligibility with respect to imports that are allegedly subsidized by the government of Brazil and voted in the affirmative with respect to all other investigations.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping duty investigations on imports of this product from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, and Turkey, and its countervailing duty investigations on imports of this product from China and Korea, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about July 5, 2016, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about September 15, 2016.
As a result of the Commission’s finding of negligibility, the countervailing duty investigation on imports of these products from Brazil will be terminated.
The Commission’s public report Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, and Turkey, Inv. Nos. 701-TA-559-561 and 731-TA-1317-1328 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4615, May 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after June 21, 2016. After that date, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-length Plate from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, South Africa, Taiwan, and Turkey
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-559-561 and 731-TA-1317-1328 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Cut-to-length (CTL) plate is a flat-rolled carbon or alloy steel product that is 4.75 millimeters or more in thickness. CTL plate is available in a variety of widths, thicknesses, and shapes. The term “cut-to-length” refers to a flat plate product with a defined length. Plate is used in load-bearing and structural applications, such as agricultural and construction equipment (e.g., cranes, bulldozers, scrapers, and other tracked or self-propelled machinery); bridges; machine parts (e.g., the body of the machine or its frame); electricity transmission towers and light poles; buildings (especially nonresidential); and heavy transportation equipment, such as railroad cars (especially tank cars) and ships. The product scope also includes wide flat carbon steel bar at least 150 mm (5.9 inches) in width.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: ArcelorMittal USA LLC, Nucor Corporation, and SSAB Enterprises, LLC.
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: April 14, 2016.
4. Commission’s conference: April 29, 2016.
5. USITC vote: May 20, 2016.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: May 23, 2016.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: May 31, 2016.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2015: Seventeen.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2015: 3,889.
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2015: 7.2 million short tons.
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2015: 20.9 percent.
U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject countries during 2015: 1
2. From other countries during 2015: [1]
3. Leading sources during 2015: Korea, Germany, and France (in terms of total value).
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 16-052
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-558 and 731-TA-1316 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is threatened with material injury by reason of imports of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-disphosphonic acid (HEDP) from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its investigation on imports of this product from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about June 24, 2016, and its antidumping duty determination due on or about September 7, 2016.
The Commission’s public report 1-Hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-Disphosphonic Acid (HEDP) from China, Inv. Nos. 701-TA-558 and 731-TA-1316 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4612, May 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after June 13, 2016. After that date, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
1-Hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-diphosphonic acid (“HEDP”) from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-558 and 731-TA-1316 (Preliminary)
Product Description: HEDP is an odorless, colorless to yellowish acidic liquid organic phosphorus chemical compound used principally in industrial water treatment applications where it is effective in increasing the solubility of metal mineral ions that otherwise would cause harmful scaling in process equipment. The product is sold largely in 60 percent aqueous industrial grade acidic solution, although the scope extends to all purity levels and aqueous concentrations of acidic (non-neutralized) HEDP. The product is stable across a wide range of temperatures, pH, and chlorine levels. In addition to its major use as an antiscalant in commercial cooling water systems, the product also finds effective use in reverse osmosis desalination, sequestration (stabilization) of metal ions that color water and stain surfaces, and serves to stabilize bar soap and antimicrobial agent formulations. HEDP is a reaction product of phosphorous acid and acetic anhydride, in which salable acetic acid byproduct is also produced: 2H3PO3 + (CH3CO)2O = C2H8O7P2 (HEDP) + CH3COOH (Acetic Acid).
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioner: Compass Chemical International, LLC, Smyrna, GA.
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: March 31, 2016.
4. Commission’s conference: April 21, 2016.
5. USITC vote: May 13, 2016.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: May 16, 2016.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: May 23, 2016.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2015: One.
2. Location of producer’s plant: Georgia.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2015: [1]
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2015: 1
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2015: 1
U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject country during 2015: 1
2. From other countries during 2015: 1
3. Leading sources during 2015: 1
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 16-050
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1315 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of ferrovanadium from Korea that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.
All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its investigation on imports of this product from Korea, with its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about September 6, 2016.
The Commission’s public report Ferrovanadium from Korea (Investigation No. 731-TA-1315 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4611, May 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available after June 9, 2016. After that date, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Ferrovanadium from Korea
Investigation No. 731-TA-1315 (Preliminary)
Product Description: The product covered by this investigation is all ferrovanadium regardless of grade (i.e., percentage of contained vanadium), chemistry, form, shape, or size. Ferrovanadium is an alloy of iron and vanadium.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary antidumping.
2. Petitioners: The Vanadium Producers and Reclaimers Association and its members: AMG Vanadium, LLC, Cambridge, OH; Bear Metallurgical Company, Butler, PA; Gulf Chemical & Metallurgical Corporation, Freeport, TX; and Evraz Stratcor, Inc., Hot Springs, AR.
3. Preliminary investigation instituted by the USITC: March 28, 2016.
4. Commission’s conference: April 18, 2016.
5. USITC vote: May 11, 2016.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: May 12, 2016.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: May 19, 2016.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2015: Two.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Ohio and Pennsylvania.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2015: [1]
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2015: 1
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2015: 1
U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject country during 2015: $16.3 million.
2. From other countries during 2015: $50.7 million.
3. Leading sources during 2015: Czech Republic, Korea, and Austria (in terms of total value).
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 16-047
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-298 (Fourth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to expedite its five-year (“sunset”) review concerning the antidumping duty order on porcelain-on-steel cooking ware from China.
As a result of this vote, the Commission will conduct an expedited review to determine whether revocation of this order would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s notice of institution in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file with the Commission responses that discuss the likely effects of revoking the order under review and provide other pertinent information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC's notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determinations in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the reviews, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
All six Commissioners concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review.
A record of the Commission’s vote on this matter is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.
The record of the Commission's vote is also posted on the USITC's Internet site at http://pubapps2.usitc.gov/sunset/caseProf/list?sort=caseTitle&order=asc. From this page, search "porcelain-on-steel cooking ware" using the search box in the upper right corner.
The Federal Register notice will indicate whether any further information or statements will be available. Only parties that filed adequate responses and filed timely notices of appearance are eligible to participate further in this review. The Commission will issue a report after it completes its review.
News Release 16-046
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1071 (Second Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) has voted to expedite its five-year (“sunset”) review concerning the antidumping duty order on alloy magnesium from China.
As a result of this vote, the Commission will conduct an expedited review to determine whether revocation of this order would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s notice of institution in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file with the Commission responses that discuss the likely effects of revoking the order under review and provide other pertinent information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC's notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determinations in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the reviews, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
Chairman Meredith M. Broadbent and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson, David S. Johanson, F. Scott Kieff, and Rhonda K. Schmidtlein concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review. Vice Chairman Dean A. Pinkert did not participate in this review.
A record of the Commission’s vote on this matter is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.
The record of the Commission's vote is also posted on the USITC's Internet site at http://pubapps2.usitc.gov/sunset/caseProf/list?sort=caseTitle&order=asc. From this page, search "alloy magnesium" using the search box in the upper right corner.
The Federal Register notice will indicate whether any further information or statements will be available. Only parties that filed adequate responses and filed timely notices of appearance are eligible to participate further in this review. The Commission will issue a report after it completes its review.
News Release 16-043
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-282 (Fourth Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on petroleum wax candles from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the existing antidumping duty order on imports of these products from China will remain in place.
All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.
Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on this five-year (sunset) review.
The Commission’s public report Petroleum Wax Candles from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-282 (Fourth Review), USITC Publication 4610, May 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by May 31, 2016; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
BACKGROUND
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
The five-year (sunset) review concerning Petroleum Wax Candles from China was instituted on December 1, 2015.
On March 7, 2016, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. All six Commissioners concluded that the domestic group response for this review was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct an expedited review is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.
News Release 16-042
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1314 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of phosphor copper from Korea that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.
All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its investigation on imports of this product from Korea, with its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about August 16, 2016.
The Commission’s public report Phosphor Copper from Korea (Investigation No. 731-TA-1314 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4608, May 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available after May 23, 2016. After that date, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Phosphor Copper from Korea
Investigation No. 731-TA-1314 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Phosphor copper is a master alloy of copper containing between 5 and 17 percent phosphorus by weight. Phosphor copper is frequently produced to JIS H2501 and ASTM B-644, Alloy A3 standards or higher. The subject product has three primary uses: (1) a deoxidizing agent, (2) an alloying additive, and (3) a component of brazing alloys.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary antidumping.
2. Petitioner: Metallurgical Products Company, West Chester, PA.
3. Preliminary investigation instituted by the USITC: March 9, 2016.
4. Commission’s conference: March 30, 2016.
5. USITC vote: April 21, 2016.
6. USITC determination to the U.S. Department of Commerce: April 25, 2016.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: May 2, 2016.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2015: Three.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2015: [1]
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2015: 1
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2015: 1
U.S. Imports:
1. From the subject countries during 2015: 1
2. From other countries during 2015: 1
3. Leading source during 2015: Korea (in terms of total value).
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
# # #
News Release 16-038
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1313 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (R-134a) from China that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.
All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its investigation on imports of this product from China, with its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about August 10, 2016.
The Commission’s public report 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (R-134a) from China (Investigation No. 731-TA-1313 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4606, April 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available after May 16, 2016. After that date, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane from China
Investigation No. 731-TA-1313 (Preliminary)
Product Description: 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC‐134a or R‐134a) is a clear, colorless liquid or gas, which is gaseous at normal atmospheric conditions. The chemical formula for R-134a is CF3‐CH2F, and the Chemical Abstracts Service (“CAS”) registry number is CAS 811‐97‐2. R-134a is mainly used as a refrigerant for air conditioning (“A/C”) systems. It is the primary refrigerant in mobile (e.g., automobile) A/C systems and can be blended with other chemicals for use in stationary refrigeration systems. R‐134a is also used as a propellant in pharmaceutical, household cleaning, and foam expansion products.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary antidumping.
2. Petitioners: The American HFC Coalition and its individual members (Amtrol, Inc., West Warwick, RI; Arkema, Inc., King of Prussia, PA; The Chemours Company FC LLC, Wilmington, DE; Honeywell International Inc., Morristown, NJ; Hudson Technologies, Pearl River, NY; Mexichem Fluor Inc., St. Gabriel, LA; and Worthington Industries, Inc., Columbus, OH) as well as District Lodge 154 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Calvert City, KY.
3. Preliminary investigation instituted by the USITC: March 3, 2016.
4. USITC conference: March 24, 2016.
5. USITC vote: April 15, 2016.
6. USITC determination to the U.S. Department of Commerce: April 18, 2016.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: April 25, 2016.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2015: Three.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2015: [1]
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2015: 1
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2015: 1
U.S. Imports in 2015:
1. From the subject country during 2015: 1
2. From other countries during 2015: $8.1 million
3. Leading source during 2015: China (in terms of total value)
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 16-036
Inv. No(s). Inv. Nos. 701-TA-462 and 731-TA-1156-1158 (Review) and 731-TA-1043-1045 (Second Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on polyethylene retail carrier bags from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of these products from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam will remain in place.
All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.
Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on these five-year (sunset) reviews.
The Commission’s public report Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bags from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-462 and 731-TA-1156-1158 (Review) and 731-TA-1043-1045 (Second Review)), USITC Publication 4605, April 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by May 9, 2016; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
BACKGROUND
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
The five-year (sunset) reviews concerning Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bags from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam were instituted on April 1, 2015.
On July 6, 2015, the Commission voted to conduct full reviews. All six Commissioners concluded that the domestic group response for these reviews was adequate; that the respondent group response from Malaysia was adequate; and that the respondent group responses from China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam were inadequate, but that circumstances warranted full reviews.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct full reviews is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.
News Release 16-033
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-557 and 731-TA-1312 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of stainless steel sheet and strip from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.
All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its investigations on imports of these products from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about May 9, 2016, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about July 21, 2016.
The Commission’s public report Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-557 and 731-TA-1312 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4603, April 2016) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after April 25, 2016. After that date, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Office of Industries
Washington, DC 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-557 and 731-TA-1312 (Preliminary)
Product Description: The merchandise covered by these investigations is stainless steel sheet and strip, whether in coils or straight lengths. Stainless steel is an alloy steel containing, by weight, 1.2 percent or less of carbon and 10.5 percent or more of chromium, with or without other elements. The subject sheet and strip is a flat‐rolled product – either in coils or straight lengths ‐ with a width that is greater than 9.5 mm and with a thickness of 0.3048 mm and greater but less than 4.75 mm, and that is annealed or otherwise heat treated and pickled or otherwise descaled. The subject sheet and strip may also be further processed (e.g., cold‐rolled, annealed, tempered, polished, aluminized, coated, painted, varnished, trimmed, cut, punched, or slit, etc.) provided that it maintains the specific dimensions of sheet and strip following such processing. The products described above may be rectangular, square, circular, or other shape and include products of either rectangular or non‐rectangular cross‐section where such cross section is achieved subsequent to the rolling process, i.e., products which have been "worked after rolling" (e.g., products which have been beveled or rounded at the edges). Excluded from the scope of these investigations are the following: (1) sheet and strip that is not annealed or otherwise heat treated and not pickled or otherwise descaled; (2) plate (i.e., flat‐rolled stainless steel products of a thickness of 4.75 mm or more); and (3) flat wire (i.e., cold-rolled sections, with a prepared edge, rectangular in shape, of a width of not more than 9.5 mm).
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: AK Steel Corp., West Chester, OH; Allegheny Ludlum, LLC, d/b/a ATI Flat Rolled Products, Pittsburgh, PA; North American Stainless, Inc., Ghent, KY; and Outokumpu Stainless USA, LLC, Bannockburn, IL.
3. Preliminary investigations instituted by the USITC: February 12, 2016.
4. Commission’s conference: March 4, 2016.
5. USITC vote: March 25, 2016.
6. USITC determinations to the U.S. Department of Commerce: March 28, 2016.
7. USITC views to the U.S. Department of Commerce: April 4, 2016.
U.S. Industry:
1. Number of producers in 2015: Four.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2015: 2,637.
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2015: $4.1 billion.
5. Ratio of the value of total U.S. imports to total U.S. consumption in 2015: 26.1 percent.
U.S. Imports:
1. From China during 2015: $312.2 million.
2. From other countries during 2015: $764.7 million.
3. Leading sources during 2015: China, Mexico, and Taiwan (in terms of total value).